Five rookies in Kiwis train-on squad

Five potential rookies are among the first group of players named in the New Zealand rugby league side's train-on squad for the upcoming tour of England.

Fifteen players, whose teams have been eliminated from National Rugby League playoff contention, have been named in the squad including Warriors Tuimoana Lolohea and Solomone Kata, Parramatta's Manu Mau, and Tim Simona and Manaia Cherrington of Wests Tigers who have yet to play for the Kiwis.

Warriors centre Solomone Kata is one of five rookies in the Kiwis train-on squad. Photo: Photosport

The Warriors forward Bodene Thompson has also never taken the field for the national side, although he was part of the squad that won last year's Four Nations tournament.

The wider Kiwis group will consist of about 40 players and more will be named over the next month as their seasons end.

Train-on camps will begin on September 23rd in Auckland and Sydney, with the 23-strong touring side to be announced after the NRL Premiership Grand Final on October 4th.